Can a Minnesota employer require a doctor's note? Generally yes, but Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time law limits it: an employer may require reasonable documentation only when an absence covers more than two consecutive scheduled workdays, and any health information must be kept confidential. For shorter absences, it depends on your employer's policy.
Minnesota has a statewide paid-sick-leave law, Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), effective January 1, 2024. Most employees who work at least 80 hours a year in Minnesota accrue one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. The law lets employers ask for documentation only for longer absences and keeps medical information confidential. A verifiable note from a licensed physician still helps satisfy a lawful documentation request.
How sick leave works in Minnesota
Minnesota has a statewide paid-sick-leave law. Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) took effect January 1, 2024 and applies to most employees who are anticipated to work at least 80 hours in a year in Minnesota. Employees accrue at least one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours a year, with unused time carrying over (subject to caps). Some workers, such as certain short-term farm workers and independent contractors, are excluded.
ESST can be used for an employee’s own illness or preventive care, to care for a family member, and for safety-related reasons such as domestic abuse, among others. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul also have their own sick-and-safe-time ordinances that pre-date the statewide law.
When a doctor’s note can be required
No Minnesota or federal law flatly forbids an employer from asking for a doctor’s note. Under ESST, an employer may require reasonable documentation only when the absence covers more than two consecutive scheduled workdays. If such documentation is not available, the employee may instead provide a written statement that the time was used for a qualifying purpose. Any health information the employer receives must be kept confidential and separate from the personnel file, and the employer cannot demand the specific medical details.
For shorter absences, it’s the employer’s own attendance policy that decides whether a note is needed. Past the two-day ESST threshold, employers typically want a dated note from a licensed physician that skips the diagnosis.
Minnesota’s rules can change, and none of the above is legal advice. Confirm anything time-sensitive with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Local ordinances in Minnesota
- Minneapolis: The Minneapolis Sick and Safe Time ordinance provides accrued paid sick time; the statewide ESST law now sets a floor across Minnesota.
- St. Paul: St. Paul's Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance provides paid sick time alongside the statewide law.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota require paid sick leave?
Can my employer ask for a note for one or two sick days?
Can my employer see my medical details?
This is general information about Minnesota rules, not legal advice. Laws change; verify current requirements with the linked primary sources or an employment attorney.